Losing a job due to company closure or layoffs is already overwhelming, but what happens to your health insurance after employer closure? If your employer goes out of business, your employer-sponsored health plan may end, leaving you uncertain about your coverage.
At Skyline Benefit, we understand how critical it is to maintain health insurance during this transition. We’ll guide you through your options, when your coverage officially ends, and the best alternative plans to ensure you stay protected.
Does Health Insurance End Immediately If Your Employer Goes Out of Business?
In most cases, your health insurance coverage ends on your last day of employment or at the end of the month when your employer shuts down. However, your coverage may end immediately if your employer didn’t pay premiums before closing.
Can I Keep My Health Insurance After Employer Closure?
If your company shuts down permanently, you cannot continue with the same plan. However, alternative options like COBRA, Covered California Health Plans, and Medicaid may be available.
What Are Your Health Insurance Options After Employer Closure?
1. COBRA Continuation Coverage
If your employer had 20 or more employees, you might qualify for COBRA coverage, which lets you stay on your employer’s plan for up to 18 months (or longer in some cases).
Pros: You keep the same doctors, network, and benefits.
Cons: You must pay 100% of the premium plus a 2% administrative fee.
2. Health Insurance Marketplace Plans
If COBRA is too expensive, you can enroll in an Affordable Care Act (ACA) plan through Covered California. Losing employer coverage qualifies you for a Special Enrollment Period (SEP), so you don’t have to wait until Open Enrollment.
Pros: Plans may have lower premiums with subsidies.
Cons: You may need to switch doctors and networks.
3. Medicaid or Low-Cost State Programs
You might qualify for Medicaid or other state health insurance programs if you lost income due to your employer’s closure.
Pros: Free or low-cost coverage.
Cons: Eligibility is income-based and varies by state.
4. Spouse’s or Parent’s Health Insurance Plan
If your spouse has employer-sponsored insurance, you may be eligible to join their plan. If you’re under 26, you can enroll in a parent’s health insurance plan.
Pros: Lower costs than COBRA.
Cons: You must enroll within 30 days of losing your coverage.
How to Get New Health Insurance Quickly
Step 1: Confirm When Your Employer Coverage Ends
Check with HR or your insurance provider to find out your official coverage termination date.
Step 2: Compare Your Health Insurance Options
Decide between COBRA, Marketplace plans, Medicaid, or a spouse’s coverage based on cost and coverage needs.
Step 3: Enroll Before You Have a Coverage Gap
To avoid losing coverage, enroll in a new health insurance plan before your current one expires.
How Skyline Benefit Can Help You Find the Best Health Insurance
Losing your employer-sponsored health insurance doesn’t mean you must go without coverage. Skyline Benefit helps employees explore their options, compare plans, and enroll in affordable health insurance.
Need Help with Health Insurance After Employer Closure?
Skyline Benefit is an independent health insurance broker in Fullerton, CA that offers affordable and flexible group health insurance options. Selecting the best group health insurance plans can be overwhelming; our mission is to simplify the process and help our clients every step of the way.
Schedule a consultation today. Call us at: (714) 888-5112
Get a Group health insurance quote